Atalanta’s turbulent start to the season has been dominated by the Ademola Lookman saga, and now CEO Luca Percassi has set a clear condition for the Nigerian forward’s return: full focus and commitment.
Lookman’s absence has cast a shadow over La Dea’s campaign. Once one of Atalanta’s most decisive attackers, the 27-year-old tried to push through a move to Serie A rivals during the summer, even skipping training for two weeks.
Atalanta keep door open for Lookman’s comeback
The club, however, stood firm. Percassi and the board only considered a permanent transfer worth €50 million, rejecting lower offers.
Inter Milan’s approach fell short, while Fenerbahce and Galatasaray also showed interest but failed to finalise a deal before the September 12 deadline.
Percassi’s message: attitude first, football later
Despite his stalled transfer, Lookman remains a key figure. He featured recently for Nigeria in World Cup qualifiers against Rwanda and South Africa, but at club level, the winger has been left out of four consecutive Atalanta matchday squads.
That includes the Serie A clash with Lecce and the Champions League defeat to defending champions Paris Saint-Germain at the Parc des Princes.
On Tuesday, Lookman was also among five Atalanta players who missed training, further fuelling uncertainty around his future.
Percassi has now made the situation plain: the forward’s talent is not in doubt, but his mindset must improve.
“You cannot go back and change the past, so we will focus on the present and future. We all know how good Ademola is, but also that in order to play for Atalanta, you must be 100 per cent focused,” Percassi told Sky Sport Italia.
He stressed that.
“When he is ready, we will welcome him with open arms.”
Atalanta’s season has been disrupted by inconsistency and off-field distractions, and Lookman’s absence has only made matters worse.
With the Champions League campaign already off to a tough start and domestic rivals strengthening, his potential return could make the difference between competing at the top or struggling for stability.
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